Stefano Domenicali has cautioned that the Chinese Grand Prix's place on the 2023 calendar is "not certain". F1 is scheduled to make a return to the Shanghai International Circuit in 2023 after a three-season absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese GP was included as part of F1's record-breaking, 24-race calendar for 2023. It is set to be the fourth round of the season and take place on April 16. However, restrictions due to the pandemic remain stringent in China. Several areas in the country are subject to varying levels of lockdown restrictions, and the number of COVID cases has risen in recent weeks.
Domenicali updates on 'not certain' Chinese GP
Domenicali recently gave an update on the likelihood of the Chinese GP returning. "Although the covid situation in China remains an issue and it is not certain we will race there in 2023, but we continue to monitor the situation and will keep everyone updated," he said. F1 and the Chinese promoters are believed to be seeking alternatives. With the 2023 calendar having two-week gaps before and after the Chinese Grand Prix, the prospect of losing a race and creating a four-week gap (between the Australian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix) will be unappealing to the sport's owners. As such, F1 may look to replace the event or reschedule or replace the event by substituting an existing 2023 race. An alternative is that the Azerbaijan GP may be brought forward by one week to reduce the four-week gap to three.
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